Africa-Press – Botswana. Ms Susan Balopi, a 52-year-old artist, is transforming lives and landscapes with her innovative concrete art and design projects.
By creating beautiful flowerpots and decorative pieces, she believes that individuals can become self-sufficient.
Inspired by a flowerpot designer from Selebi-Phikwe, Ms Balopi launched her initiative to craft decorative flowerpots using fleece, cement, paint, and other materials. “Making art and design with concrete is incredible,” she said in a recent interview, highlighting the potential for artistic expression within her community.
Through exploration, Ms Balopi discovered the technique of concrete draping, which transforms ordinary fabric into stunning sculptural pieces. “If given time, this fascinating creative technique opens up a world of possibilities,” she added.
Whether creating flowerpots, garden art, decorative bowls, or artificial rocks, Ms Balopi expresses confidence that anyone can achieve remarkable results. The process begins with mixing cement and water in a wheelbarrow until the consistency is smooth enough to absorb but not overly runny. “After mixing, I soak the chosen piece of fabric, preferably fleece, as it easily absorbs the mixture and can be shaped into intricate patterns,” she explained.
Once the fabric is coated in concrete, she transfers it to prepared molds, which can range from 20-liter containers to yogurt cups, allowing for a variety of shapes. “When the soaked fleece is on the mold, it’s time to shape it,” she noted.
Ms Balopi emphasised that while every fabric behaves differently, manipulation was key to achieving the desired shapes. “Once you’ve shaped the flowerpot, place it in a bright sunny spot to dry,” she said. “This process can take 48 to 72 hours for the concrete to cure and hold its form.” After curing, the flowerpot can be removed from the mold and enhanced with a variety of paints and finishes.
In addition to her artistic endeavours, Ms Balopi is committed to skills transfer within her community.
She has noted a strong interest from youth in learning her craft. “I am eager to teach them as a way to empower them and help create employment opportunities,” she said, expressing her hope that these skills would deter young people from engaging in crime, alcohol, and substance abuse.
Through her creative journey, Ms Balopi not only enriches the aesthetic appeal of her community but also works tirelessly to foster a brighter future for its youth.
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